NEW BRIGHTON ROCK

Last Saturday the Firsts decamped to the north Wirral coast to test their mettle at one of the 'establishment' clubs in the league..

As at Liverpool St Helens the team competed well in parts but succumbed to lapses in concentration against experienced opponents who showed greater physicality and intensity when it mattered on the day. Maybe an aura of intimidation at playing at venues which evoke former glories has something to do with it but if so the lads showed enough to suggest any such inferiority complex will surely evaporate as they gradually become accustomed to life at this level.

Indeed, there were similarities to the game at LSH. After looking at being on the wrong end of a good hiding Port recovered to score a couple of decent tries. In this case 33-6 down half way through the second period soon became 33-21 care of 5 pointers from Colin Fearns and Tom Hill and a conversion and penalty by Charlie Attis adding to his two earlier penalties.

Just when it looked like a mighty comeback was on the cards New Brighton regrouped to steady their ship and post a further ten points to secure what was ultimately a merited victory. No shame in losing to team which home officials described as their best performance for some considerable time although Southport will rue what might have been.

Thanks are due to New Brighton Chairman Bob Murphy and his fellow alikadoos for their warm welcome and hospitality throughout the afternoon, as at LSH a longstanding tradition which is a wonderful trait and long may it survive come what may.

This Saturday Southport look forward to welcoming the players and officials of more familiar adversaries in recent years Sefton RUFC. No matter the lads will have to be back at their best as at this level a competitive game will be the order of the day to be enjoyed by generous match sponsor Enda Rylands General Manager of the Ramada Hotel and his guests.

It is the last 3pm kick off at Waterloo Road for the winter before the clocks change and the dark nights set in. Hopefully Port can make light work of it though!

Finallly a note on the JJJ (Jonahs Joker Jackpot) to be drawn circa 6pm. It's likely there there will be over £1000 in the pot. "Gotta to be in to win!"